The 5th Day, session notes from the Rogue.

Fishing yacht "Beast" brings in the 73.5 pound, 4th place White Marlin on Day 5. 8/9/2019

"Fishing is one of the few things that truly takes my mind away from
 all the stresses that life holds back at the docks. There aren't many
 things in life that offer an experience so rich that you're able to leave
 your worries behind. So, I ask you, what's there not to love about 
being offshore?"      -Robert King Byard

   It's what it's all about. The 5th day...the last day of the 46th Annual White Marlin Open. The day that the week's Kings are dethroned and records are broken. The last hurrah for the summer... at least the marker. All others trail off from here. We got there at 3-ish pm and the crowds were still swelling as we left about 8-ish pm after the "Give-It-Away" cruised out with the third largest Wahoo in WMO history at 91 lbs. Worth $24+K and first place in the Wahoo category. Pocket change for these folks.

-Coastal Fisherman pic.

 The heaviest Whitey of the day took 4th overall as the 79.5 pounder caught the day before held on the grab the $1.5 Mil purse. Striking for the second time (previously in 2008), Tommy Hinkle, a math teacher from my Alma Mater, Stephen Decatur. Doesn't mean it wasn't exciting as we saw more White Marlin brought in than the previous four days, all with the intention of dethroning Hinkle. From our vantage point, only the Beast got close, even with the few additional that came in after we left. Got plenty of pics, which still didn't do the experience justice...

The celebrity of the week...

the White Marlin. Bringin'

'em in all night.

Seakeeper with a Tuna to the scales...

Seakeeper's 2nd Place 150.5 lb. Yellowfin.

Front row seat complete with
personal bar...the Cruisin' Tiki

 "Give-It-Away" heads out after dropping off the winning Wahoo...the
crowd of "next ups" await.

33 lb. Dolphin/Mahi courtesy

of the "Smoker."

   Ocean City's oldest brewery (yes, another local beer), Fin City, has been supplying White Marlin Pale Ale for quite a number of years. Not the first time I've had it, but with the can graphic dedicated to the WMO, got hooked from the moment I saw it for the post's review. Poured a clear amber with about a finger and a half, off-white head. Smelled of light lime, with hints of grainy malt. Thin, fast dissipating lacing were the result of each swig. Tasted of pine, grass, and bready malts. Maybe a little citrus in the finish, but mostly a dry crispness. Not really a standout, but as I bought a six, I seemed to enjoy each successive one more than the last. Gave it a B-/C+ rating.

"Don't bother me while I'm fishing, unless

you got beer." -Anon

The end of Day 5...another for the record books.